The best striped beach towels
Australian House & Garden recycled cotton beach towel, $69.95, Myer
Crafted from recycled dyed yarn, this towel was designed with sustainability in mind and will be a summertime staple.
Cancun beach towel, $89.99, Sheridan
Designed in Australia and made in Portugal, this 100 per cent recycled cotton towel makes the perfect statement piece on the shoreline. As no two colourways are the same, and you can personalise with initials, you'll be investing in a unique towel for the summer.
The best oversized beach towel
The Beach People Ace beach towel in Chocolate, $119, THE ICONIC
This oversized terry towel is all you'll ever need for your beachside or poolside days. Made from 100 per cent cotton and designed in Australia, this towel comes in chocolate, cream and pale blue.
The best oversized sand-free beach towel
Tesalate beach blanket in The Swell, $119, Amazon
Available in seven playful patterns, this oversized 1.6m x 1.6m beach towel from Tesalate dries in half the time of a regular towel, has a handy hook for hanging and comes in a pouch. The perfect beach picnic blanket.
The best Turkish beach towels
Ozoola Beachlife waffle beach towel in charcoal, $59, SurfStitch
Love the waffle towel trend? Take it to the beach with this Ozoola Beachlife tasselled towel. Made from 100 per cent Turkish cotton, this charcoal towel is ultra-soft to the touch, so you'll love spending your day lazing on it in the sun.
Noosa cinnamon towel by Mayde, $59.95, Hardtofind
So much more than a towel, this lightweight summer accessory is perfect for long afternoons by the sea, where you can snuggle under it once the sun starts to fade. Made in Turkey with 100 per cent Turkish cotton, this towel can also be used for bathing, as a scarf, a throw on the bed and for travel.
The best sand-free beach towel
Vue Sun Rise sand-free beach towel in burnt orange, $49.95, Myer
If thinner (but still equally as effective), towels are your thing, add this bright, patterned towel to your basket. Quick-drying and lightweight, it's an easy fit in your favourite beach bag.
The best hooded beach towels
Sheridan Cancun adult beach poncho in Fiesta, $104.99 (was $149.99), Myer
Whoever said hooded towels are only for kids hasn't seen Sheridan's take. This adult-sized poncho is the only accessory you need, keeping you warm while drying you off. The print woven from leftover 100 per cent cotton features a vibrant pattern that will definitely stand you miles apart from other beachgoers (in the best way).
Speedo unisex hooded beach towel, $70, THE ICONIC
Effortlessly cool, this unisex hooded beach towel from Speedo is a timeless post-laps wear.
The best personalised beach towels
Country Road cotton Beau beach towel, $89.95, Country Road
Country Road offers a slew of timeless and understated beach towels, including this beach towel made from 100 per cent Australian cotton that is personalisable.
Lottie & Liv personalised embroidered stripe terry beach towel, $84.99, Hardtofind
Made from 100 per cent cotton with absorbent terry weave front and back, this striped towel is personalisable and makes a great gift for spring and summer birthdays.
The best kids beach towel
Wave Zone kids hood mermaid poncho, $15, Big W
Big W offer a fun selection of beach towels for both kids and big kids – including the likes of this mermaid hooded beach towel, and even a Bluey kids hooded towel.
What type of beach towel is the best?
An answer of personal preference, the best type of beach towel is one that works to your own needs. Microfibre towels are lightweight, quick-drying and sand-resistant; recycled cotton towels are soft, absorbent, eco-conscious and often plush; Turkish towels are soft, luxurious and versatile for travel. The best towel is one that suits your taste and budget.
Are beach towels and bath towels the same?
Beach towels are typically larger, thinner, and more quick-drying than bath towels – designed for lounging at the beach or pool, where they need to be able to dry quickly and resist sand. Whereas bath towels are designed for, you guessed it, bathing or showering, and need to be more absorbent.
Are microfibre towels good for the beach?
Absorbent, quick-drying and lightweight, microfibre towels are a great pick for the beach. And as their smooth surface make sand grains hard to cling to, they're a particularly good option for those who can't bear a sandy towel and the subsequent sandy car.
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Looking for more beach holiday inspiration? Check out our beach totes and sarongs categories.